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Nikon

Z6

Original 24MP Z hybrid that launched the Z system.

$1,999

Released Aug 2018

vs

Nikon

Zf

Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.

$2,049

Released Sep 2023

Zf is 5.1 years newer.

Wins

1categories

Z6

PortraitTravel

Wins

8categories

Zf

PortraitSports & Action

5 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

Z6 wins 0 categories·Zf wins 5 categories
  • BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 12 fps)
  • BZf has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
  • BZf has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
  • BZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 5 stops)
  • BZf has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 51,200)

Key specs at a glance

Z6Zf
Resolution24.5 MP24.5 MP
SensorFull FrameFull Frame
ISO max51,20064,000
Burst12 fps30 fps
4K30 fps60 fps
IBIS5-stop8-stop
Weight585 g630 g
Battery310 shots380 shots

Size and weight, to scale

Z6

134 × 101 × 68 mm

585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)

Zf

144 × 103 × 49 mm

630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)

Z6 is 10mm narrower and 3mm shorter than Zf but it is also 19mm thicker.

Z6 is 45 g lighter than Zf.

Depth (front-to-back): 68mm Z6 · 49mm Zf

Sensor size, to scale

Z6

35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame

858 mm² area

Zf

35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame

858 mm² area

Lens ecosystem

Native lens selection

Z6

✓ more lenses

Nikon Z

90+

native lenses available

40 first-party50 third-party

Zf

✓ more lenses

Nikon Z

90+

native lenses available

40 first-party50 third-party

Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseZ6Zf
Portrait
7.5Good
7.5Good
Sports & Action
3.5Limited
7.5Good✓ wins
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
6.0Good✓ wins
Landscape
6.0Good
7.0Good✓ wins
Travel
7.5Good
7.5Good
Wildlife
4.0Fair
6.5Good✓ wins
Vlogging
6.0Good
7.0Good✓ wins

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

Z6

  • Codecs

    Adds H.264/AVC

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 134, 100.5, 67.5

  • Card types

    Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD

  • Weight

    585 g vs 630 g — lower is better

Reasons to choose

Zf

  • AF low-light limit

    -10 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better

  • Codecs

    Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 144, 103, 49

  • Card types

    Adds SD UHS-II, MicroSD UHS-I

  • Subject recognition

    Adds Birds, Dogs, Cats…

  • Burst (electronic)

    30 fps vs 12 fps — higher is better

  • Animal / bird AF

    Only Zf supports it

  • Pre-Capture / Pre-Release

    Only Zf supports it

Both cameras share

  • ResolutionBoth 24.5 MP
  • AA filterBoth support aa filter
  • ISO min (native)Both 100
  • AF points / zonesBoth 273
  • Eye AFBoth support eye af
  • In-body stabilizationBoth support in-body stabilization

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

Z6

Pros

  • Historic value
  • Solid hybrid
  • Affordable used

Cons

  • Very dated now
  • Single slot
  • Limited video

Zf

Pros

  • Beautiful retro design
  • 273-point hybrid AF
  • 8-stop IBIS
  • Fully articulated touchscreen

Cons

  • No grip extension standard
  • Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
  • 24.5MP only

Full specifications

= category winner

Z6
Zf
Resolution
24.5 MP
24.5 MP
Sensor type
Full Frame BSI-CMOS
Full Frame BSI-CMOS
Sensor size
35.9 × 23.9 mm
35.9 × 23.9 mm
AA filter
Yes
Yes
Z6
Zf
AF system
Hybrid AF (phase-detect + contrast-detect)
Hybrid AF (phase-detect + contrast-detect)
AF points / zones
273
273
AF low-light limit
-4 EV
-10 EV
Eye AF
Yes
Yes
Animal / bird AF
No
Yes
Subject recognition
People
People, Birds, Dogs, Cats, Cars, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Trains, Airplanes
Z6
Zf
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps
14 fps+17%
Burst (electronic)
12 fps
30 fps2.5× more
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
No
Yes
Z6
Zf
Max resolution
4K UHD
4K UHD
4K max frame rate
30 fps
60 fps2× more
Internal RAW video
No
No
Log profile
N-Log
N-Log / HLG
Codecs
H.264/AVC
H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
Z6
Zf
Weight
585 g−45 g less
630 g
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
134 × 100.5 × 67.5 mm
144 × 103 × 49 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes

Frequently asked

Quick answers generated from verified specs.

Which is better for sports, Z6 or Zf?

Zf scores 7.5/10 versus 3.5/10 for Z6 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.

What's the resolution difference between the Z6 and Zf?

Both cameras share the same 24.5 MP resolution.

Do the Z6 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?

Z6 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.

Which shoots faster bursts — the Z6 or the Zf?

Z6 reaches 12 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the Z6 and Zf?

Z6 weighs 585 g and Zf weighs 630 g, so the Z6 is 45 g lighter.

Do the Z6 and Zf record 4K video?

Z6: 4K up to 30p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.

Are the Z6 and Zf weather sealed?

Z6: Yes. Zf: Yes.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 310 shots (CIPA) for the Z6 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the Zf the edge.

How much does each cost?

Z6 launched at $1,999 and Zf at $2,049. The Z6 is $50 less.

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.